Hello everyone, and welcome back to Elucidations of The Mind! With it being autumn and the sun setting earlier than normal I thought it would be appropriate for seasonal depression to be our first topic to discuss. Seeing that I'm someone who deals with seasonal depression myself I know how difficult it can be to overcome the darkness you feel within despite how dark or light it is outside.
Season changes can definitely be a difficult time for many people because of how much the sun affects us as humans. We as humans are a lot like plants because of our need for sunlight. Starting with the scientific aspect of our connection to sunlight, there are things that as humans we depend on the sun for. For example, vitamin D, vitamin D is what helps with our bone health and our calcium absorption which is essential. Now this isn't the only benefit we have from the sun; there's actually a very long list of the benefits we gain through our relationship with the sun. Sunlight stimulates our serotonin production which boosts our moods and reduces depression symptoms, it may lower blood pressure, moderate amounts could help to prevent certain cancers, it regulates our sleep patterns, and so much more.
I understand that sounds like just a lot of fun facts thrown together so now let me break this down to a more personal level. For me and many people I've spoken to, the sun is like a superpower. When the sun is up, I feel energized, happier, and just ready to take on any of my challenges whether I realize it's due to the sunlight or not.
This summer was a very difficult summer for me due to some unfortunate events however I still managed to keep a sense of optimism. I was in the hospital for almost 2 weeks and every day I would look forward to getting to walk to the window and feel the warmth of the sunlight. I was weak and with the results I was getting from the doctor I felt no reason to smile, but any time I got up and walked down the hall to that big window I felt so much better. Without even realizing what was happening, internally my body was creating all the serotonin it needed to keep me smiling and in good spirits. Now I also had family and friends around me catering to me as well, but the sun definitely had a major part to play in my mood for those two weeks.
I know overcoming depression of any kind is difficult and it takes time, however we shouldn't have to deal with it as a regular thing just because the sun goes down earlier. Our emotions are like roller coasters which I fully understand because I have a full set of my own. There are a few things I try to do to keep myself happy and smiling.
Next time you start to feel yourself declining maybe try a few things off of this list:
Meditation/ yoga
Maintaining your hygiene routine and getting yourself ready for the day regardless of your plans for the day
Exercise
Try to take walks or spend time outside while the sun is up
Art and other recreational activities
Prayer (depending on your beliefs)
Surrounding yourself with loved ones
Journaling
Hopefully some of these things could help you because they definitely help me around this time of year. As always, congratulations on continuing your journey towards your goals, every step counts on the pursuit of health, wealth, and happiness. Thank you for joining me for today's Elucidation of The Mind, until next time continue unlocking door with the keys of wisdom we gain each day.
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